Game One
FORT VALLEY, Ga. — The Columbus State University softball team used timely hitting and a strong performance in the circle to earn a 7-1 victory over Fort Valley State University in game one of a non-conference doubleheader Wednesday afternoon at Wildcat Field.
After a scoreless first two innings, the Cougars broke through in the third. When
Aubree Ussery lifted a sacrifice fly that allowed
Ansley Collins to score following a Fort Valley State error.
Nova Wright followed with an RBI double to left field, extending the lead to 2-0.
Columbus State continued to build its advantage in the middle innings.
Mary-Catherine Sorrell delivered a sacrifice bunt in the fourth to bring home
Izzy Ripatti, and
Kara Wegienka added an RBI single in the fifth to make it 4-0.
The Cougars responded with a decisive seventh inning, scoring three runs on three extra-base hits. Wegienka drove in a run with a double,
Abrianna Green followed with an RBI double of her own, and Sorrell capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly to push the lead to 7-1.
Columbus State finished with 11 hits on the afternoon, led by Wright's 3-for-3 performance with two runs scored and an RBI. Wegienka added two hits and two RBI's, while Collins and Ripatti each recorded two-hit outings.
In the circle,
Lily Miller (6-6) earned the win, allowing one run on three hits over 5.0 innings while striking out three.
Hanna Deschambault provided solid relief, tossing two scoreless innings and allowing just one hit while striking out two.
Game Two
FORT VALLEY, Ga. — The Columbus State University softball team completed a doubleheader sweep with a 7-4 victory over Fort Valley State University in game two Wednesday afternoon at Wildcat Field. With the win, Columbus State improves to 25-14 overall on the season.
The Cougars struck early in the opening inning as
Anna Waites launched a two-run home run to give Columbus State a 2-0 lead. The offense continued to roll in the third inning, plating four runs to build a commanding advantage.
Libby Buchanan delivered an RBI double,
Aubree Ussery followed with an RBI single, and
Izzy Ripatti capped the rally with a two-run double to push the lead to 6-0.
Columbus State added an insurance run in the fifth inning when
Carlee Wilson doubled home
Mary-Catherine Sorrell to extend the lead to 7-3.
The Wildcats threatened late, scoring a run in the seventh, but the Cougars closed out the game to secure the 7-4 victory.
Columbus State finished with 13 hits in the contest, highlighted by standout performances from the middle of the lineup. Ussery led the way with a perfect 4-for-4 effort with two runs scored and an RBI, while Ripatti also went 4-for-4 with two RBIs. Waites added two hits, including her two-run home run, and Buchanan and Wilson each drove in a run.
In the circle,
Hanna Deschambault (6-3) earned the win, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits over 4.0 innings while striking out two.
Gracyn Gurley provided steady relief, tossing the final 3.0 innings and allowing one run on four hits with two strikeouts to secure the victory.
Columbus State returns home to begin a Peach Belt Conference series against the University of North Georgia on Friday, April 10, with first pitch scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Cougar Field.
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